Peatlands are unique, complex ecosystems of global importance for biodiversity conservation at genetic, species and ecosystem levels. They contain many species found only or mainly in peatlands. These species are adapted to the special acidic, nutrient poor and water-logged conditions of peatlands. They are vulnerable to changes resulting from direct human intervention, to changes in their water catchment and to climate change, that may lead to loss of habitats, species and associated ecosystem services. The biodiversity values of peatlands demand special consideration in conservation strategies and land use planning.

Peatlands play a special role in maintaining biodiversity, at the species and genetic level as a result of habitat isolation, and at the ecosystem level as a result of their ability to self-organise and adapt to different physical conditions. 

• Although species diversity in peatlands may be lower, they have a higher proportion of characteristic species than dryland ecosystems in the same biogeographic zone.

• Peatlands may develop sophisticated self-regulation mechanisms over time, resulting in high within-habitat diversity expressed as conspicuous surface patterns. 

• Peatlands are important for biodiversity far beyond their borders by maintaining hydrological and micro¬climate features of adjacent areas and providing temporary habitats or refuge areas for dryland species. 

• Peatlands are often the last remaining natural areas in degraded landscapes and thus mitigate landscape fragmentation. They also support adaptation by providing habitats for endangered species and those displaced by climate change. 

• Peatlands are vulnerable to human activities both within the peatland habitats themselves and in their catchments. Impacts include habitat loss, species extinction and loss of associated ecosystem services. 

• The importance of peatlands for maintaining global biodiversity is usually under-estimated, both in local nature conservation planning and practices, as well as in international convention deliberations and decisions.

 

Peatlands support both phenetic and ecosystem diversity. High phenetic diversity is associated with high habitat diversity. A large variety of growth forms compensates a smaller diversity of species. Different growth forms of Scots' pine trees occurring in the same peatland (From prostate 10-20cm tall to straight- stemmed several meters tall) were originally described by Carl Weber in 1902.

Spatial heterogeneity and ecosystem biodiversity are typical characteristics of peatlands

The Ecosystem diversity of peatlands depends on their strong autonomy, self-organisation, and integrity.